Washington — Victims of terrorism sponsored by Iran and their families gathered in Washington to press President Trump to include restitution demands in any potential peace agreements with Iran. These victims comprise a group that has successfully sued Iran in U.S. federal court for extensive damages due to its involvement in attacks such as the 1983 Beirut bombing, which took the lives of 241 U.S. service members, alongside numerous other attacks.
The group, known as American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism United, communicated their prompt request through a letter addressed to President Trump. They emphasized the necessity of resolving outstanding terrorism judgments before any Iranian assets are released or sanctions lifted. Angela Mistrulli, leading the Washington initiative, represents over 20,000 victims affected by Iran-backed terrorism and plans to personally deliver the letter to President Trump.
Mistrulli, who lost her father in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001, expressed the belief that minimizing financial resources for terrorists could prevent further loss of American lives. She stated, “There should not be any funds returned to the terrorism regime.”
“If we can bankrupt terrorists, then there will be less American blood spilled,” Mistrulli asserted.
In recent weeks, efforts to forge a peace agreement have faltered, with military confrontations resuming. A Memorandum of Understanding signed by President Trump and Iranian leaders in June reflected an initial step toward negotiations, offering Iran potential access to frozen assets and eased sanctions contingent upon fulfilling specific terms. These terms included ensuring maritime traffic security and eliminating nuclear threats.
Failure to reach a deal within 60 days might lead to resumed hostilities. President Trump remarked, “We might have to [go back to bombing], because we’re never going to let them have a nuclear weapon.”
Vice President JD Vance advocated the MOU as beneficial for the American people and suggested it provided Iran a chance to reintegrate into the global economy. Despite this, little progress has been made, prompting resumed U.S. military strikes against Iran.
Iran has been instructed to pay $156 billion in judgments since U.S. law permitted terror victims to sue designated state sponsors of terrorism in the 1990s. A federal judge determined Iran liable for the 9/11 attacks due to assistance provided to the hijackers. Recent rulings include $573 million awarded to representatives of U.S. service members affected by Iranian-supported insurgencies in Iraq.
A current case involves Iran’s alleged involvement in Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. Iran backs numerous militant groups, including Hamas. Mistrulli emphasized the pursuit of justice through judgments, stating they serve as the only form of justice available to victims.
Collecting judgments from sponsors of terrorism, like Iran, remains challenging, resulting in limited relief. Congress has established a fund to partially compensate eligible victims using federal penalties and authorized sources. Despite more than $10 billion paid out since 2015, this represents less than 10% of awarded amounts.
Aryeh Portnoy, representing terrorism victims, noted continued work needed to fulfill Congress’s promise to victims. He explained, “There’s opportunities for the government, for Congress, for the administration to help these victims.”
Portnoy emphasized Iran’s recurring role as a top sponsor behind terrorist organizations responsible for attacks, including Hezbollah, ISIS, or Al Qaeda, asserting, “Iran is by far the biggest state sponsor of terrorism.”
A response from the Iranian Embassy in Washington is awaited.